Thermoplastic composition, method of manufacture thereof, and articles derived therefrom

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic composition comprising a combination of 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester, 5 to 50 weight percent of a polycarbonate, and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprising, based on the total weight of the copolymer, 15 to 95 weight percent of arylate ester units, and 5 to 85 weight percent of aromatic carbonate units. Also disclosed is a method of forming the compositions, and articles prepared therefrom, for example transparent covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a thermoplastic composition, method of manufacture thereof, and articles derived therefrom.

Polyesters can be blended with other polymers to improve various properties of the polyester. Specifically, polyesters can be blended with polycarbonates to provide improved mechanical properties such as impact strength. However, other properties of the polyesters, specifically optical properties, can be adversely affected by such blending. For example, articles formed from polyester-polycarbonate blends can be hazy or colored, with diminished light transmittance.

Another perceived need with respect to polyester-polycarbonate blends is improved weatherability, in particular resistance to degradation by ultraviolet (UV) light. Chemical resistance would also be advantageous, especially resistance to caustic solutions, i.e., aqueous solutions comprising chlorine, bromine, and the like, of the type used pools and spas. These properties are especially desirable for compositions used to form articles that are exposed to harsh conditions, such as covers for spas, cell phone covers, and the like.

There accordingly remains a need in the art for transparent polyester-polycarbonate blends with improved weatherability and/or chemical resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above deficiencies in the art are alleviated by a composition comprising, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, a combination of 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from a C₅₋₇ cycloaliphatic or C₇₋₁₂ aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C₆₋₁₂ aromatic or C₂₋₁₂ aliphatic diol or a chemical equivalent thereof; 5 to 50 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is independently the same or different divalent organic radical, and at least 60% percent of the organic radicals are aromatic; and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprising, based on the total weight of the copolymer, 15 to 95 weight percent of arylate ester units of the formula

wherein each R⁴ is independently halogen, a C₁₋₄ alkyl, or a C₆₋₈ aryl, and p is 0 to 3, and 5 to 85 weight percent of aromatic carbonate units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is independently the same or different divalent organic radical, and at least 60% percent of the organic radicals are aromatic, and further wherein the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a monophenolic compound the formula

wherein each R⁵ is independently a halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ benzotriazole, or C₃₋₁₅ triazine, and q is 0 to 5.

Another embodiment is a composition comprising, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, a combination of 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from a C₅₋₇ cycloaliphatic or C₇₋₁₂ aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C₆₋₁₂ aromatic or C₂₋₁₂ aliphatic diol or a chemical equivalent thereof; 10 to 40 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is derived from a compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group, and p and q are each independently 0 to 4, and units of the formulas

wherein each R² is independently a C₁₋₁₃ monovalent organic group, each Ar is independently a C₆₋₃₆ arylene group wherein the bonds are directly connected to an aromatic moiety, each R³ is independently a divalent C₁₋₃₀ organic group, and E is an integer having an average value of 2 to 1,000; and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprising, based on the total weight of the copolymer, 15 to 95 weight percent of arylate ester units of the formula

wherein each R⁴ is halogen or a C₁₋₄ alkyl and p is 0 to 3, and 5 to 85 weight percent of aromatic carbonate units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is derived from a compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen or a C₁₋₂ alkyl, X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group, and p and q are each independently 0 to 4, and further wherein the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a monophenolic compound the formula

wherein each R⁵ is independently a halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ benzotriazole, or C₃₋₁₅ triazine, and q is 0 to 5, and further wherein a molded sample retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours in accordance with ASTM-G155, and wherein the molded sample retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.

Also disclosed is a composition comprising, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, a combination of 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from a C₅₋₇ cycloaliphatic or C₇₋₁₂ aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C₆₋₁₂ aromatic or C₂₋₁₂ aliphatic diol or a chemical equivalent thereof; 5 to 50 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising 80 to 99 mole percent of units derived from bisphenol A and 1 to 20 mole percent of units of the formula

wherein each R² is independently the same or different C₁₋₃ monovalent organic group, each R³ is the same or different divalent C₁₋₁₀ organic group, and E is an integer from 2 to 100; and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer of the formula

wherein, based on the weight of the copolymer, the arylate ester units are present in an amount of 15 to 95 weight percent and the polycarbonate units are present in an amount of 5 to 85 weight percent, and further wherein the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a monophenolic compound the formula

wherein each R⁵ is independently a halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ benzotriazole, or C₃₋₁₅ triazine, and q is 0 to 5, and further wherein a molded sample retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours in accordance with ASTM G155, and wherein the molded sample retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.

Also described is a method of manufacture of the compositions described above, comprising melt blending the components of the compositions.

Another embodiment is a method of forming an article, comprising shaping, extruding, blow molding, or injection molding the compositions described above to form the article.

An article is further described, comprising the above-described compositions.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the unexpected discovery that a composition comprising specific proportions of a polyester, a polycarbonate, and a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer having end groups derived from specific monophenolic compounds, has high transparency, good weatherability, and chemical resistance. In particular, the compositions do not significantly degrade after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The compositions also do not significantly degrade after exposure to a caustic solution. Such compositions are therefore useful in the manufacture of lens for pools and spas, and cell phone covers.

Compounds are described herein using standard nomenclature. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The endpoints of all ranges reciting the same characteristic or component are independently combinable and inclusive of the recited endpoint. All references are incorporated herein by reference. Other than in the operating examples or where otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions referring to quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” Various numerical ranges are disclosed in this patent application. Because these ranges are continuous, they include every value between the minimum and maximum values. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximations

All ASTM tests are based on the 2003 edition of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards unless otherwise indicated.

Suitable polyesters comprise repeating units of formula (1):

wherein T is a residue derived from a C₈₋₁₂ aromatic or C₅₋₇ cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid or chemical equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C₆₋₁₂ aromatic or a C₂₋₁₂ aliphatic diol or chemical equivalent thereof.

Examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used to prepare the polyester units include isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dicarboxylic acids. Exemplary cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids include norbornene dicarboxylic acids, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, and the like. Chemical equivalents of any of the foregoing diacids include dialkyl esters, e.g., dimethyl esters, diaryl esters, anhydrides, salts, acid chlorides, acid bromides, and the like.

Specific dicarboxylic acids are terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid (cis or trans), or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing dicarboxylic acids. A specific dicarboxylic acid comprises a combination of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid wherein the weight ratio of isophthalic acid to terephthalic acid is 91:9 to 2:98.

Suitable C₆₋₁₂ aromatic diols include, but are not limited to, resorcinol, hydroquinone, and pyrocatechol, as well as diols such as 1,5-naphthalene diol, 2,6-naphthalene diol, 1,4-napthalene diol, 4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, and the like, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing aromatic diols.

Exemplary C₂₋₁₂ aliphatic diols include, but are not limited to, straight chain, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkane diols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, i.e., 1,2- and 1,3-propylene glycol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propane diol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propane diol, 1,4-butane diol, 1,4-but-2-ene diol, 1,3- and 1,5-pentane diol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,5-pentane diol, 1,6-hexane diol, dimethanol decalin, dimethanol bicyclooctane, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, including its cis- and trans-isomers, triethylene glycol, 1,10-decanediol; and mixtures comprising at least of the foregoing diols. Chemical equivalents of any of the foregoing diols include esters, such as dialkylesters, diaryl esters, and the like. Specific aliphatic diols are cyclohexane dimethanol, ethylene glycol, or a combination comprising cyclohexanedimethanol and ethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, T is derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, a chemical equivalent of any of the foregoing, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, a C₂₋₄ diol, a chemical equivalent of the foregoing, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

A specific class of polyesters within the scope of formula (1) are the poly(cycloalkylene phthalate)s such as, for example, poly(cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) (PCT), having recurring units of formula (2)

wherein, according to formula (8), T is derived from terephthalic acid, and D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

Another specific class of polyesters within the scope of formula (1) is the poly(cycloalkylene cycloalkanoate)s wherein T and D each contain cycloalkyl groups. In one embodiment, T is derived from cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid and D is a divalent group derived from 1,6-hexane diol, dimethanol decalin, dimethanol bicyclooctane, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol and its cis- and trans-isomers, 1,10-decane diol, and the like. A particularly advantageous poly(cycloalkylene cycloalkanoate) is poly(cyclohexane-1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate), also referred to as poly(1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol-1,4-dicarboxylate) (PCCD), having recurring units of formula (3)

wherein T is derived from 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid and D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

Other specific polyesters are copolyesters derived from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and a mixture of linear aliphatic diols in particular ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(butylene glycol), together with cycloaliphatic diols such as 1,4-hexane diol, dimethanol decalin, dimethanol bicyclooctane, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol and its cis- and trans-isomers, 1,10-decane diol, and the like. The ester units comprising the linear aliphatic or cycloaliphatic ester units can be present in the polymer chain as individual units, or as blocks of the same type of units. In one embodiment, polyesters of this type are poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate)-co-poly(ethylene terephthalate), known as PCTG when greater than 50 mol % of the ester groups are derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate, or PETG when less than 50 mol % of the ester groups are derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate. In one specific embodiment, the poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate)-co-poly(ethylene terephthalate) comprises up to 25 mole percent of a residue derived from a C₂₋₄ diol.

The polyesters can be obtained by interfacial polymerization or melt-process condensation as described above, by solution phase condensation, or by transesterification polymerization wherein, for example, a dialkyl ester such as dimethyl terephthalate can be transesterified with ethylene glycol using acid catalysis, to generate poly(ethylene terephthalate). Branched polyester can be used, in which a branching agent, for example, a glycol having three or more hydroxyl groups or a trifunctional or multifunctional carboxylic acid has been incorporated. Furthermore, it is sometime desirable to have various concentrations of acid and hydroxyl end groups on the polyester, depending on the ultimate end use of the composition.

The polyesters can have an intrinsic viscosity, as determined in chloroform at 25° C., of 0.3 to 2 deciliters per gram, specifically 0.45 to 1.2 deciliters per gram. The polyesters can have a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 200,000 Daltons, specifically 20,000 to 100,000 Daltons as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

The polyester is present in the composition in an amount of 10 to 80 weight percent (wt. %), based on the total weight of the composition. Within this range, the amount can be varied to achieve the desired characteristics of the composition, for example low haze. For example the polyester can be present in an amount of 12 to 50 wt. %, more specifically 15 to 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

Suitable polycarbonates comprise repeating structural carbonate units of formula (1):

in which at least about 60 percent of the total number of R¹ groups contain aromatic organic groups and the balance thereof are aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic groups. In an embodiment, each R¹ is a C₆₋₃₀ aromatic group, that is, contains at least one aromatic moiety. R¹ can be derived from a dihydroxy compound of the formula HO—R¹—OH, in particular a dihydroxy compound of formula (5): HO-A¹-Y¹-A²—OH  (5) wherein each of A¹ and A² is a monocyclic divalent aromatic group and Y¹ is a single bond or a bridging group having one or more atoms that separate A¹ from A². In an exemplary embodiment, one atom separates A¹ from A². Specifically, each R¹ can be derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound of formula (6)

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) each represent a halogen or C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group and can be the same or different; and p and q are each independently integers of 0 to 4. Also in formula (6), X^(a) represents a bridging group connecting the two hydroxy-substituted aromatic groups, where the bridging group and the hydroxy substituent of each C₆ arylene group are disposed ortho, meta, or para (specifically para) to each other on the C₆ arylene group. In an embodiment, the bridging group X^(a) is single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group. The C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group can be cyclic or acyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, and can further comprise heteroatoms such as halogens, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, or phosphorous. The C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group can be disposed such that the C₆ arylene groups connected thereto are each connected to a common alkylidene carbon or to different carbons of the C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group. In one embodiment, p and q is each 1, and R^(a) and R^(b) are each a C₁₋₃ alkyl group, specifically methyl, disposed meta to the hydroxy group on each arylene group.

In an embodiment, X^(a) is a substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₁₈ cycloalkylidene, a C₁₋₂₅ alkylidene of formula —C(R^(c))(R^(d))— wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are each independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₁₋₁₂ heteroalkyl, or cyclic C₇₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or a group of the formula —C(═R^(e))— wherein R^(e) is a divalent C₁₋₁₂ hydrocarbon group. Exemplary groups of this type include methylene, cyclohexylmethylene, ethylidene, neopentylidene, and isopropylidene, as well as 2-[2.2.1]-bicycloheptylidene, cyclohexylidene, cyclopentylidene, cyclododecylidene, and adamantylidene.

Other useful aromatic dihydroxy compounds of the formula HO—R¹—OH include compounds of formula (7)

herein each R^(h) is independently a halogen atom, a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbyl such as a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, a halogen-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group, or a halogen-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl group, and n is 0 to 4. The halogen is usually bromine.

Some illustrative examples of specific aromatic dihydroxy compounds include the following: 4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl, 1,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylmethane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-naphthylmethane, 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylethane, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phenylmethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-bromophenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(hydroxyphenyl)cyclopentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)isobutene, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclododecane, trans-2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butene, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)adamantine, alpha,alpha′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)toluene, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetonitrile, 2,2-bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-ethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-n-propyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-isopropyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-sec-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-cyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dibromo-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(5-phenoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, 1,6-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,6-hexanedione, ethylene glycol bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfide, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfoxide, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorine, 2,7-dihydroxypyrene, 6,6′-dihydroxy-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylspiro(bis)indane (“spirobiindane bisphenol”), 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide, 2,6-dihydroxydibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,6-dihydroxythianthrene, 2,7-dihydroxyphenoxathin, 2,7-dihydroxy-9,10-dimethylphenazine, 3,6-dihydroxydibenzofuran, 3,6-dihydroxydibenzothiophene, and 2,7-dihydroxycarbazole, resorcinol, substituted resorcinol compounds such as 5-methyl resorcinol, 5-ethyl resorcinol, 5-propyl resorcinol, 5-butyl resorcinol, 5-t-butyl resorcinol, 5-phenyl resorcinol, 5-cumyl resorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrafluoro resorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrabromo resorcinol, or the like; catechol; hydroquinone; substituted hydroquinones such as 2-methyl hydroquinone, 2-ethyl hydroquinone, 2-propyl hydroquinone, 2-butyl hydroquinone, 2-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2-phenyl hydroquinone, 2-cumyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetra-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo hydroquinone, and the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dihydroxy compounds.

Specific examples of bisphenol compounds of formula (6) include 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (hereinafter “bisphenol A” or “BPA”), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-1-methylphenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl)propane, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine, 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine (PPPBP), and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane (DMBPC). Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dihydroxy compounds can also be used. In one specific embodiment, the polycarbonate is a linear homopolymer derived from bisphenol A, in which each of A¹ and A² is p-phenylene and Y¹ is isopropylidene in formula (6).

In one embodiment, the polycarbonates are polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymers that comprise carbonate units of formula (4) and polysiloxane units of formula (6a) and/or (7a)

wherein each R² is independently the same or different C₁₋₁₃ monovalent organic group, each Ar is independently the same or different C₆₋₃₆ arylene group wherein the bonds are directly connected to an aromatic moiety, each R³ is independently the same or different divalent C₁₋₃₀ organic group, and E is an integer having an average value of 2 to 1,000.

Specifically R² can be a C₁-C₁₃ alkyl, C₁-C₁₃ alkoxy, C₂-C₁₃ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₃ alkenyloxy, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₇-C₁₃ arylalkyl, C₇-C₁₃ arylalkoxy, C₇-C₁₃ alkylaryl, or C₇-C₁₃ alkylaryloxy. The foregoing groups can be fully or partially halogenated with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, where a transparent polysiloxane-polycarbonate is desired, R is unsubstituted by halogen. Combinations of the foregoing R groups can be used in the same copolymer.

The Ar groups in formula (6a) can be derived from a C₆-C₃₀ dihydroxyarylene compound, for example a dihydroxyarylene of formula (6a) or (7a) above. Exemplary dihydroxyarylene compounds are 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) methane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy- 1-methylphenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl sulfide), and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl) propane.

The R³ groups in formula (7a) can be a C₁-C₁₃ alkylene, C₃-C₆ cycloalkylene, or C₆-C₁₄ arylene. In one embodiment, each R₃ is a group of formula (8)

wherein R⁶ is a C₂-C₈ alkylene, each M is the same or different halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈ alkylthio, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₁-C₈ alkoxy, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₇-C₁₂ aralkyl, C₇-C₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇-C₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₇-C₁₂ alkylaryloxy, and each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

The value of E in formulas (6a) and (7a) can vary widely depending on the type and relative amount of each component in the thermoplastic composition, the desired properties of the composition, and like considerations. Generally, E has an average value of 2 to about 1,000, specifically about 2 to about 500, more specifically about 5 to about 100. In one embodiment, E has an average value of about 10 to about 75, and in still another embodiment, E has an average value of about 40 to about 60. Where E is of a lower value, e.g., less than about 40, it can be desirable to use a relatively larger amount of the polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer. Conversely, where E is of a higher value, e.g., greater than about 40, it can be necessary to use a relatively lower amount of the copolymer.

In a specific embodiment, the polysiloxane units are of formula (7a) wherein each R² is independently the same or different C₁₋₃ monovalent organic group, each R³ is the same or different divalent C₁₋₁₀ organic group, and E is an integer from 2 to 500. In a specific embodiment, each R² is the same or different C₁₋₃ alkyl or C₁₋₃ haloalkyl, each R³ is of formula (8) wherein R⁶ is the same C₁₋₅ alkylene and each M is the same and is bromo or chloro, a C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkoxy, phenyl, chlorophenyl, or tolyl, and E is an integer having an average value of 4 to 100. In still another embodiment, each R² is methyl, each R³ is of formula (8) wherein R⁶ is trimethylene, M is methoxy, and n is one. Such polycarbonate-siloxane copolymers are sold commercially by General Electric Company.

Polycarbonates can be manufactured by processes such as interfacial polymerization and melt polymerization as are known in the art. The polycarbonates can have a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 200,000 Daltons, specifically about 20,000 to about 100,000 Daltons as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), using a crosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene column and calibrated to polycarbonate references. GPC samples are prepared at a concentration of about 1 mg/ml, and are eluted at a flow rate of about 1.5 ml/min.

The compositions comprise 5 to 50 wt. % of the polycarbonate, based on the total weight of the composition. Within this range, the amount can be varied to achieve the desired characteristics of the composition, for example low haze. For example, the polycarbonate can be present in an amount of 10 to 40 wt. %, more specifically 20 to 35 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition comprises 10 to 40 wt. % of the polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition further comprises a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer, also known as polyester carbonate, copolyester-polycarbonate, and copolyestercarbonate. The polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises, based on the total weight of the copolymer, 15 to 95 weight percent of arylate ester units and 5 to 85 weight percent of carbonate units.

The arylate ester units are of formula (9)

wherein each R⁴ is independently a halogen or a C₁₋₄ alkyl, and p is 0 to 3. The arylate ester units can be derived from the reaction of a mixture of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid or chemical equivalents thereof with compounds such as 5-methyl resorcinol, 5-ethyl resorcinol, 5-propyl resorcinol, 5-butyl resorcinol, 5-t-butyl resorcinol, 2,4,5-trifluoro resorcinol, 2,4,6-trifluoro resorcinol, 4,5,6-trifluoro resorcinol, 2,4,5-tribromo resorcinol, 2,4,6-tribromo resorcinol, 4,5,6-tribromo resorcinol, catechol, hydroquinone, 2-methyl hydroquinone, 2-ethyl hydroquinone, 2-propyl hydroquinone, 2-butyl hydroquinone, 2-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5-trimethyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5-tri-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5-trifluoro hydroquinone, 2,3,5-tribromo hydroquinone, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing compounds.

The aromatic carbonate units in the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer are of formula (4) as described above. Specifically, the carbonate units are derived from a dihydroxy compound of formula (6), specifically a compound of formula (6) wherein X^(a) is a C₁₋₂₅ alkylidene of the formula —C(R^(c))(R^(d))— wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are each independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₁₋₁₂ heteroalkyl, or cyclic C₇₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or a group of the formula —C(═R^(e))— wherein R^(e) is a divalent C₁₋₁₂ hydrocarbon group, even ore specifically Bisphenol A.

In a specific embodiment, the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer is a poly(isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester)-co-(bisphenol A carbonate) polymer comprising repeating structures of formula (10)

The polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from the reaction with a chain stopper (also referred to as a capping agent), which limits molecular weight growth rate, and so controls molecular weight in the polycarbonate. The chain stoppers are monophenolic compounds of formula (11)

wherein each R⁵ is independently halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylcarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ 2-benzotriazole, or triazine, and q is 0 to 5. As used herein, C₆₋₁₆ benzotriazole includes unsubstituted and substituted benzotriazoles, wherein the benzotriazoles are substituted with up to three halogen, cyano, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, or C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy groups.

Suitable monophenolic chain stoppers of formula (11) include phenol, p-cumyl-phenol, p-tertiary-butyl phenol, hydroxy diphenyl, monoethers of hydroquinones such as p-methoxyphenol, alkyl-substituted phenols including those with branched chain alkyl substituents having 8 to 9 carbon atoms, monophenolic UV absorber such as 4-substituted-2-hydroxybenzophenone, aryl salicylate, monoesters of diphenols such as resorcinol monobenzoate, 2-(2-hydroxyaryl)-benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxyaryl)-1,3,5-triazines, and the like. Specific monophenolic chain stoppers include phenol, p-cumylphenol, and resorcinol monobenzoate.

It is also within the scope of the invention to use other types of chain stoppers, for example monocarboxylic acid halides, monohaloformates, and the like. Such chain stoppers can be of formula (11), wherein a —C(O)X or —OC(O)Cl group is present in place of the phenolic hydroxyl group, and X is a halogen, particularly bromine or chloride. Monocarboxylic acid chlorides and monochloroformates can be specifically mentioned. Exemplary monocarboxylic acid chlorides include monocyclic, monocarboxylic acid chlorides such as benzoyl chloride, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl-substituted benzoyl chloride, 4-methylbenzoyl chloride, halogen-substituted benzoyl chloride, bromobenzoyl chloride, cinnamoyl chloride, 4-nadimidobenzoyl chloride, and mixtures thereof; polycyclic, monocarboxylic acid chlorides such as trimellitic anhydride chloride, and naphthoyl chloride; and mixtures of monocyclic and polycyclic monocarboxylic acid chlorides. Chlorides of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with up to 22 carbon atoms are suitable. Functionalized chlorides of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, such as acryloyl chloride and methacryloyl chloride, are also suitable. Monochloroformates include monocyclic monochloroformates, such as phenyl chloroformate, alkyl-substituted phenyl chloroformate, p-cumyl phenyl chloroformate, toluene chloroformate, and mixtures thereof. A combination of different chain stoppers can be used, for example a combination of two different monophenolic chain stoppers or a combination of a monophenolic chain stopper and a monochloroformate chain stopper.

The type and amount of chain stopper used in the manufacture of the polyester-polycarbonate copolymers are selected to provide copolymers having an Mw of 1,500 to 100,000 Daltons, specifically 1,700 to 50,000 Daltons, and more specifically 2,000 to 40,000 Daltons. Molecular weight determinations are performed using gel permeation chromatography, using a crosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene column and calibrated to bisphenol A polycarbonate references. Samples are prepared at a concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter, and are eluted at a flow rate of 1.0 milliliter per minute.

The polyester-polycarbonate copolymers are present in the composition in an amount of 10 to 90 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. Within this range, the amount can be varied to achieve the desired characteristics of the composition, for example low haze. For example the polyester-polycarbonate copolymers can be present in an amount of 15 to 60 wt. %, or more specifically 15 to 45 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

In addition to the polycarbonates, polyesters, and polyester-polycarbonate copolymers, the composition can include various other additives ordinarily incorporated with compositions of this type, with the proviso that the additives are selected so as not to significantly adversely affect the desired properties of the composition. Mixtures of additives can be used.

Suitable additives include an acid interchange quencher, a compound having an epoxy functionality, an antioxidant, a heat stabilizer, a light stabilizer, an ultraviolet light absorber, a plasticizer, a mold release agent, a lubricant, an antistatic agent, a pigment, a dye, a flame retardant, a gamma stabilizer, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing additives. Each of the foregoing additives, when present, is used in amounts typical for polyester-polycarbonate blends, for example 0.001 to 5 wt. % of the total weight of the blend, specifically 0.01 to 2 wt. % of the total weight of the blend, except for flame retardants, which are more typically used in amounts of 1 to 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition can comprise a colorant such as a pigment and/or dye additive. Suitable pigments include for example, inorganic pigments such as metal oxides and mixed metal oxides such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxides, iron oxides or the like; sulfides such as zinc sulfides, or the like; aluminates; sodium sulfo-silicates, sulfates, chromates, or the like; carbon blacks; zinc ferrites; ultramarine blue; Pigment Brown 24; Pigment Red 101; Pigment Yellow 119; organic pigments such as azos, di-azos, quinacridones, perylenes, naphthalene tetracarboxylic acids, flavanthrones, isoindolinones, tetrachloroisoindolinones, anthraquinones, anthanthrones, dioxazines, phthalocyanines, and azo lakes; Pigment Blue 60, Pigment Red 122, Pigment Red 149, Pigment Red 177, Pigment Red 179, Pigment Red 202, Pigment Violet 29, Pigment Blue 15, Pigment Blue 15:4, Pigment Blue 28, Pigment Green 7, Pigment Yellow 147 and Pigment Yellow 150, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing pigments. Pigments can be used in amounts of 0.01 to 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Suitable dyes can be organic materials and include, for example, coumarin dyes such as coumarin 460 (blue), coumarin 6 (green), nile red or the like; lanthanide complexes; hydrocarbon and substituted hydrocarbon dyes; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dyes; scintillation dyes such as oxazole or oxadiazole dyes; aryl- or heteroaryl-substituted poly (C₂₋₈) olefin dyes; carbocyanine dyes; indanthrone dyes; phthalocyanine dyes; oxazine dyes; carbostyryl dyes; napthalenetetracarboxylic acid dyes; porphyrin dyes; bis(styryl)biphenyl dyes; acridine dyes; anthraquinone dyes; cyanine dyes; methine dyes; arylmethane dyes; azo dyes; indigoid dyes, thioindigoid dyes, diazonium dyes; nitro dyes; quinone imine dyes; aminoketone dyes; tetrazolium dyes; thiazole dyes; perylene dyes, perinone dyes; bis-benzoxazolylthiophene (BBOT); triarylmethane dyes; xanthene dyes; thioxanthene dyes; naphthalimide dyes; lactone dyes; fluorophores such as anti-stokes shift dyes which absorb in the near infrared wavelength and emit in the visible wavelength, or the like; luminescent dyes such as 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin; 3-(2′-benzothiazolyl)-7-diethylaminocoumarin; 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole; 2,5-bis-(4-biphenylyl)-oxazole; 2,2′-dimethyl-p-quaterphenyl; 2,2-dimethyl-p-terphenyl; 3,5,3″″,5″″-tetra-t-butyl-p-quinquephenyl; 2,5-diphenylfuran; 2,5-diphenyloxazole; 4,4′-diphenylstilbene; 4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran; 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-carbocyanine iodide; 3,3′-diethyl-4,4′,5,5′-dibenzothiatricarbocyanine iodide; 7-dimethylamino-1-methyl-4-methoxy-8-azaquinolone-2; 7-dimethylamino-4-methylquinolone-2; 2-(4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1,3-butadienyl)-3-ethylbenzothiazolium perchlorate; 3-diethylamino-7-diethyliminophenoxazonium perchlorate; 2-(1-naphthyl)-5-phenyloxazole; 2,2′-p-phenylen-bis(5-phenyloxazole); rhodamine 700; rhodamine 800; pyrene; chrysene; rubrene; coronene, or the like, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dyes. Dyes can be used in amounts of 0.01 to 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polyester-polycarbonate and poly(alkylene ester), where the use of the dyes does not significantly adversely affect the desired properties of the composition.

The composition can further comprise an antioxidant. Suitable antioxidant additives include, for example, organophosphites such as tris(nonyl phenyl)phosphite, tris(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl)phosphite, bis(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite or the like; alkylated monophenols or polyphenols; alkylated reaction products of polyphenols with dienes, such as tetrakis[methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)]methane, or the like; butylated reaction products of para-cresol or dicyclopentadiene; alkylated hydroquinones; hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers; alkylidene-bisphenols; benzyl compounds; esters of beta-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid with monohydric or polyhydric alcohols; esters of beta-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-propionic acid with monohydric or polyhydric alcohols; esters of thioalkyl or thioaryl compounds such as distearylthiopropionate, dilaurylthiopropionate, ditridecylthiodipropionate, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, pentaerythrityl-tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate or the like; amides of beta-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid or the like, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing antioxidants. Antioxidants can be used in amounts of 0.0001 to 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Suitable heat stabilizer additives include, for example, organophosphites such as triphenyl phosphite, tris-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)phosphite, tris-(mixed mono- and di-nonylphenyl)phosphite or the like; phosphonates such as dimethylbenzene phosphonate or the like, phosphates such as trimethyl phosphate, or the like, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing heat stabilizers. Heat stabilizers can be used in amounts of 0.0001 to 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Light stabilizers and/or ultraviolet light (UV) absorbing additives can also be used. Suitable light stabilizer additives include, for example, benzotriazoles such as 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert-octylphenyl)-benzotriazole and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxy benzophenone, or the like, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing light stabilizers. Light stabilizers can be used in amounts of 0.0001 to 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Suitable UV absorbing additives include for example, hydroxybenzophenones; hydroxybenzotriazoles; hydroxybenzotriazines; cyanoacrylates; oxanilides; benzoxazinones; 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol (CYASORB® 5411); 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxybenzophenone (CYASORB® 531); 2-[4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-5-(octyloxy)-phenol (CYASORB® 1164); 2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one) (CYASORB® UV-3638); 1,3-bis[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-2,2-bis[[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl]propane (UVINUL® 3030); 2,2′-(1,4-phenylene) bis(4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one); 1,3-bis[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-2,2-bis[[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl]propane; nano-size inorganic materials such as titanium oxide, cerium oxide, and zinc oxide, all with particle size less than 100 nanometers; or the like, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing UV absorbers. UV absorbers can be used in amounts of 0.0001 to 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Plasticizers, lubricants, and/or mold release agents additives can also be used. There is considerable overlap among these types of materials, which include, for example, phthalic acid esters such as dioctyl-4,5-epoxy-hexahydrophthalate; tris-(octoxycarbonylethyl)isocyanurate; tristearin; di- or polyfunctional aromatic phosphates such as resorcinol tetraphenyl diphosphate, the bis(diphenyl)phosphate of hydroquinone and the bis(diphenyl)phosphate of bisphenol-A; poly-alpha-olefins; epoxidized soybean oil; silicones, including silicone oils; esters, for example, fatty acid esters such as alkyl stearyl esters, e.g., methyl stearate; stearyl stearate, pentaerythritol tetrastearate, and the like; mixtures of methyl stearate and hydrophilic and hydrophobic nonionic surfactants comprising polyethylene glycol polymers, polypropylene glycol polymers, and copolymers thereof, e.g., methyl stearate and polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers in a suitable solvent; waxes such as beeswax, montan wax, paraffin wax or the like. Such materials can be used in amounts of 0.001 to 1 weight percent, specifically 0.01 to 0.75 weight percent, more specifically 0.1 to 0.5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Inorganic flame retardants can also be used, for example salts of C₂₋₁₆ alkyl sulfonate salts such as potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (Rimar salt), potassium perfluoroctane sulfonate, tetraethylammonium perfluorohexane sulfonate, and potassium diphenylsulfone sulfonate, and the like; salts formed by reacting for example an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal (for example lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and barium salts) and an inorganic acid complex salt, for example, an oxo-anion, such as alkali metal and alkaline-earth metal salts of carbonic acid, such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, MgCO₃, CaCO₃, and BaCO₃ or fluoro-anion complexes such as Li₃AlF₆, BaSiF₆, KBF₄, K₃AlF₆, KAlF₄, K₂SiF₆, and/or Na₃AlF₆ or the like. When present, inorganic flame retardant salts can be present in amounts of 0.1 to 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition can be manufactured by methods generally available in the art. For example, powdered polycarbonate, polyester, and polyester-polycarbonate copolymer, and other optional additives (including stabilizer packages, e.g., antioxidants, gamma stabilizers, heat stabilizers, ultraviolet light stabilizers, and the like) are first blended, in a HENSCHEL-Mixer® high speed mixer. Other low shear processes such as hand mixing can also accomplish this blending. The blend is then fed into the throat of an extruder via a hopper. Alternatively, one or more of the components can be incorporated into the composition by feeding directly into the extruder at the throat and/or downstream through a sidestuffer. Any desired additives can also be compounded into a masterbatch and combined with the remaining polymeric components at any point in the process. The extruder is generally operated at a temperature higher than that necessary to cause the composition to flow. The extrudate is immediately quenched in a water batch and pelletized. Such pellets can be used for subsequent molding, shaping, or forming.

It has been found that articles molded from certain of the compositions have excellent optical properties. Thus, in one embodiment, a molded article has a total luminous transmittance greater than or equal to 80 percent. In another embodiment, a molded article of the composition has a haze value of less than or equal to 5 percent. Total luminous transmittance and haze are measured on 2.5 millimeter thick molded articles of the composition in accordance with ASTM D1003-00. In one embodiment, a 2.5 millimeter thick molded article of the composition has a total luminous transmittance greater than or equal to 80 percent and a haze value of less than or equal to 5 percent, measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00.

Molded articles comprising the compositions can also be colorless. For example a molded article having a thickness of 3.2 millimeter can have a Yellowness Index of less 4, specifically less than 3, and more specifically less than 2. Yellowness Index is measured in accordance with ASTM D1925 on a Gardner XL-835 calorimeter.

Molded articles comprising the above-described compositions can also meet the criteria for F-1 weathering certification as set forth by Underwriters Laboratories. As such, molded articles of the composition retain, after 1000 hours of ultraviolet light exposure in accordance with ASTM G155, at least 70 percent of their initial tensile or flexural strength, and at least 70 percent of their initial tensile, Izod, or Charpy impact. Strength and impact measurement is performed in accordance with ASTM D638 on injection-molded ASTM type V tensile bars.

Molded articles of the composition can also retain at least 50 percent of their tensile or flexural strength, and at least 50 percent of their tensile, Izod, or Charpy impact, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after being immersed in water for 7 days at 70° C.

In one embodiment, a molded sample of the composition retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after 1000 hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in accordance with ASTM G155.

In another embodiment, a molded sample of the composition retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.

In yet another embodiment, a molded sample of the composition retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after 1000 hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in accordance with ASTM G155, and at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.

Molded articles of the composition can also have improved resistance to caustic solutions. As used herein, a “caustic solution” is an aqueous solution comprising chlorine, bromine, and the like of the type used pools and spas. Chlorine water has 300 to parts per million chlorine, whereas bromine water has 400 parts per million bromine. Other examples of caustic solutions include BaquaSpa Shock®, Baquacil Algicide®, Baquacil Sanitizer and Algistat®, Baquacil Oxidizer®, Baquacil Waterline Control®, and the like. In one embodiment, when exposed to a caustic solution for 2 days in a constant strain jig with a 0.5 percent strain, a molded article of the composition retains at least 70 percent of its tensile strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638.

Shaped, formed, or molded articles comprising the compositions are also provided. In one embodiment the article is an extruded or injection molded article. Examples of articles comprising the composition include pool and/or spa components, lenses and lens covers for cellular phones, lenses and lens covers for pools and/or spas, protective sheets, films, fibers, dishware, medical applications, automotive applications, garden equipment, sports and leisure articles, and the like.

It is understood that the scope of the invention can include other embodiments than those described above. In one embodiment, for instance, the polycarbonate component is optional such that the composition, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, includes 10 to 80 wt. % of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from a C₅-C₇ cycloaliphatic or C₇-C₁₂ aromatic dicarboxylic acid or equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C₆-C₁₂ aromatic or C₂-C₁₂ aliphatic diol or equivalent thereof;

-   -   from 0 to 50 wt. % of a polycarbonate comprising units of the         formula

wherein each R² is independently a divalent organic radical, and at least about 60% of the organic radicals are aromatic; and

-   -   10 to 90 wt. % of at least one polyester-polycarbonate copolymer         comprising, based on the total weight of the copolymer,

15 to 95 wt. % of arylate ester units of the formula

-   -   wherein each R¹ is independently halogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl and p is         0 to 3, and

5 to 85 wt. of aromatic carbonate units of the formula

-   -   wherein each R² is independently a divalent organic radical, and         at least about 60% of the organic radicals are aromatic, and         further wherein

the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a phenolic compound the formula

-   -   wherein each R′ is independently halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀         aryl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, or C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, and q         is 0 to 4. Advantageously, articles derived from such         compositions exhibit highly useful properties. Molded articles         made from such a composition, for instance, which have a         thickness of 2.5 millimeters can exhibit a haze of less than or         equal to 5 percent, measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00.         An article derived from the composition and having a thickness         of 2.5 mm can exhibit a transparency of greater than or equal to         80%, measured according to ASTM D1003-00.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Compositions for the examples and comparative examples were prepared using the components shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Component Description Trade name, Source PC High Flow Bisphenol-based polycarbonate resin LEXAN ®, GE (Mw = 22,000 g/mol, PS standards) Plastics LEXAN ®, PC 105 Bisphenol-based polycarbonate resin LEXAN ®, GE (Mw = 30,000 g/mol, PS standards) Plastics PC 131 Bisphenol-based polycarbonate resin LEXAN ®, GE (Mw = 36,000 g/mol, PS standards) Plastics PCCD poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene 1,4- Eastman Chemical cyclohexanedicarboxylate) PCT Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene Eastman Chemical terephthalate) (Mw = 70,000 g/mol, PS standards) 20:80 ITR-PC Poly(20 mol % isophthalate-terephthalate- GE Plastics resorcinol ester)-co-(80 mol % bisphenol- A carbonate) copolymer (Mw = 25,000 g/mol, PS standards) 90:10 ITR-PC Poly(90 mol % isophthalate-terephthalate- GE Plastics resorcinol)-co-(10 mol % bisphenol-A carbonate) copolymer (Mw = 25,000 g/mol, PS standards) P.T. Pentaerythritol tetrastearate Lonza, Inc. P-EPQ Tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)-4,4′- Sandostab P-EPQ, biphenylene diphosphonite Clariant AO1010 Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl- Irganox 1010, Ciba 4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate) Specialty Chemicals UV5411 2-(2′-Hydroxy-5′-octylphenyl)- Cyasorb UV-5411, benzotriazole Cytec Indus. UV3638 2,2′-(1,4-Phenylene)bis(4H-3,1- Cyasorb UV-3638, benzoxazin-4-one) Cytec Indus. Tinuvin 234 2-(2′-Hydroxy-3,5-dicumyl)benzotriazole Everlight USA Inc. Tinuvin 1577 2-(4,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5- Ciba Specialty hexyloxyphenol Chemicals Tinuvin 350 2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-6-sec- Ciba Specialty butyl-4-tert-butylphenol Chemicals Uvinul 5050H Sterically hindered amine oligomer BASF Uvinul 3030 1,3-bis-[2′-cyano-3′,3- BASF diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-2,2-bis-{[2-cyano- 3′,3′- diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl}propane R7260 Pigment Blue 60 BASF R03509 Alpha-stabilized copper phthalocyanine Heliogen Blue pigment K6911D, BASF R72 1,8-bis-(p-toluidino)-9,10-anthraquinone Nagase America Corp. P.A. Phosphoric Acid, pre-diluted to 10% Lab Chem, Inc. ADR4368 Styrene-acrylate copolymer with glycidyl BASF groups PCTG Poly(ethylene terephthalate)-co-(1,4- Eastman Chemical cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) Co. (20 mol % ethylene units and 80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene units (Mw = 70,000 using polystyrene standards) PC 100 Bisphenol polycarbonate LEXAN ® resin. General Electric (M_(n) = 29,000 Daltons, GPC against Company polystyrene standards) Clear EXL Core-shell acrylic impact modifier Robm and Haas General Procedure for Preparation of Poly(isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester)-co-(bisphenol-A carbonate) (ITR-PC).

Each of the ITR-PC copolymers used herein was prepared according to the following general procedure. A 30 liter round bottom reactor equipped with a mechanical stirrer, pH electrode, condenser, and two addition tubes connected to metering pumps was charged with resorcinol (12.5 to 25 mole percent excess relative to the total moles of diacid chloride), water (to provide 34 to 35 wt. % salts following preparation of the hydroxy-terminated polyester), methylene chloride (6 liters), and triethylamine (2 mole percent). The mixture was stirred with a 6-inch impeller at 300-350 rpm. One addition tube was connected to a solution consisting of a 50/50 mixture of isophthaloyl and terephthaloyl chloride and enough methylene chloride to make an approximately 35 wt % diacid chloride solution. The other addition tube was connected to a 50 wt % aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Over the course of 10 minutes, the diacid chloride solution containing 3.42 moles isophthaloyl dichloride and 3.42 moles terephthaloyl dichloride, and 85 to 95 mol % of the NaOH solution (based on diacid chloride) were added at constant molar flow rates to the reactor. Upon completion of the acid chloride addition, a further amount of NaOH solution was added to the reactor over 3 minutes in order to adjust the pH to approximately 8.25, and the mixture was allowed to stir for roughly 10 minutes. After formation of the resulting hydroxy-terminated polyesters (HTPE) was complete, phenol (3.4 mol % based on total bisphenol-A), bisphenol-A, water and methylene chloride were added to the mixture. The amount of bisphenol-A added was based upon the formula: Moles bisphenol-A added=6.84 moles diacid chloride×((mol % PC)/(mol % ITR)) wherein, for example, a polymer with a desired composition of 20 mmol % carbonate units and 80 mol % ester units (i.e., 80:20 ITR-PC), uses an amount of bisphenol-A=(6.84 mole×(20/80)=6.84×0.25=1.71 moles bisphenol-A.

Prior to phosgenation, sufficient additional water was added to dissolve all of the salt (NaCl) present in the reaction mixture at the end of formation of the hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate. Additional methylene chloride was introduced to provide a concentration of solids in the organic phase at the end of phosgenation of 11 to 17 wt %.

The mixture comprising the hydroxy-terminated polyester, free phenol, free excess resorcinol, bisphenol-A, methylene chloride, salt, and triethylamine (TEA) was then phosgenated in the same reactor used to prepare the hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate. 1.4 equivalents (based on the total moles of free bisphenol-A) of phosgene and 50 weight percent sodium hydroxide solution (50 wt % NaOH) were then introduced at a constant rate over a period of 55 minutes while maintaining a pH of pH 8.5 until 60 mol % of the stoichiometric amount of phosgene had been added (60 mol % bisphenol conversion). The pH was adjusted 9.5 and the remaining phosgene was added. Upon completion of phosgene addition the reaction mixture was stirred for several minutes. The methylene chloride solution containing the product polyester-polycarbonate was separated from the brine layer and washed twice with 1N HCl, and four times with deionized water. The volumes of the aqueous washes were roughly equal to the volume of the product polymer solution. The product was isolated by injection of steam into a well-agitated mixture of hot water and the methylene chloride solution of the product polyester-polycarbonate. The product was isolated as a white powder was filtered and dried for 24 hours at 80 to 100° C. The product polyester-polycarbonate was characterized by GPC (M_(w), polystyrene molecular weight standards). The analytical results were consistent with the formation of block polyester-polycarbonates. NMR indicated that the product polyester-polycarbonate was fully endcapped as shown by the absence of free terminal hydroxyl groups (undetectable by NMR) and acid end-groups (also undetectable by NMR).

Examples 1-17 and Comparative Examples 1-16

The compositions were prepared by compounding on a Werner and Pfleiderer 27 millimeter twin screw extruder with a vacuum vented mixing screws at 271° C. and 300 rpm at a rate of 50 pounds per hour. The extrudate was cooled through a water bath prior to pelletizing. The pellets were dried for 3-4 hours at 77° C. in a forced air circulating oven and injection molded on a Van Dorn 80T molding apparatus at 293° C.

Polymer molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography using a crosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene gel column, a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter, calibrated using polycarbonate or polystyrene standards as indicated.

Haze and total luminous transmittance (% T) were each measured on 2.5 millimeter (mm) plaques in accordance with ASTM D1003-00.

Yellowness Index was measured in accordance with ASTM D1925 on a Gardner XL-835 colorimeter using 3.2 mm thick plaques.

Melt volume rate (MVR) was measured in accordance with ISO 1133 using 2.16 kg samples at 265° C. or 1.2 kg at 300° C., with a 240 second dwell time, and using an orifice having a diameter of 0.0825 inch. The samples were dried for 60 minutes at 100° C. MVR is reported in cubic centimeters per 10 minutes (cm 3/10 min).

Impact values were measured on 3.2 mm thick bars in accordance with ASTM D 256. The results of the test are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width, and expressed in Joule/meter (J/m). Typically the final test result was calculated as the average of test results of five test bars.

Dynatup (also known as multi-axial impact) test is based on the ASTM D3763 method. This test provides information on how a material behaves under multiaxial deformation conditions. The deformation applied is a high speed puncture. Reported as the test results are ductility, expressed in percent (%) and impact energy, expressed in Joules (J). The final test result was calculated as the average of the test results of typically five test plaques.

Melt viscosity is based on the ASTM D1238 method, using an extrusion plastometer equipped with an automatic timer on a Tinius Olson MP 987. Before testing, the samples were dried for one hour at 150° C. The testing conditions are a melt temperature of 266° C., a total load of 5,000 grams, an orifice diameter of 0.0825 inch, and a dwell time of 5 minutes. The test result is expressed in the unit Poise.

Flexural Modulus is based on the ASTM D790 method. Typical test bars have the following dimensions: ⅛ inch×½ inch×2½ inch. The final test result was calculated as the average of test results of five test bars. The test involves a three point loading system utilizing center loading on a simply supported beam. Instron and Zwick are typical examples of manufacturers of instruments designed to perform this type of test. The flexural modulus is the ratio, within the elastic limit, of stress to corresponding strain and is expressed in Megapascals (MPa).

Tensile Strength is based on the ASTM D638 method. Test bars in the form of the standard dumbbell shape are used in this test method. The final test result is calculated as the average of the test results of five test bars. The tensile strength is calculated by dividing the maximum load observed in the test by the original minimum cross-sectional area of the test specimen. The result is expressed in Megapascals (MPa). Instron and Zwick are typical examples of manufacturers of instruments designed to perform this type of test.

Tensile Elongation is the ability of a material to resist breaking under tensile stress is based upon ASTM D638. Samples were injection molded. The tensile testing machine pulls the sample from both ends and measures the force required to pull the specimen apart and how much the sample stretches before breaking. The ultimate elongation of a plastic is the percentage increase in length that occurs before it breaks under tension.

All amounts in the following tables are in weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

Comparative Examples 1-2

Table 2 lists the components of comparative examples 1 and 2. Table A lists the retention properties of comparative examples 1 and 2 after exposure to 1000 hours of ultraviolet radiation in accordance with ASTM G155, and after 7 days of water immersion at 70° C.

TABLE 2 Component C1 C2 PC 131 — 50.0 LEXAN PC 105 29.8 — PC HIGH FLOW 10.00 24.0 PCT — 24.9 PCCD 59.8 — P.T. — 0.30 P.A. — 0.075 ADR4368 — 0.25 UV5411 0.25 0.25 P-EPQ 0.15 0.15 Monozinc phosphate 0.05 — AO1010 0.00 0.12 Colorant1 0.000079 0.000195 Colorant2 0.000051 0.000113

TABLE A % Retention for C1 % Retention for C2 Tensile Ten. Exposure Type Impact Tensile Strength Impact Ten. Strength ASTM G155 48 105 45 102 Water Immersion 18 106 72 108

As can be seen from table A, comparative examples 1 and 2 did not meet the Underwriters Laboratories standards for F-1 certification, i.e., the retentions are not equal to or greater than 70 percent.

Comparative Examples 3-9

Table 3 lists the components of comparative examples 3-9, which include radiation stabilizers and absorbers. Table B lists the retention properties of comparative examples 3-9 after exposure to 250, 500, and 1000 hours of ultraviolet radiation in accordance with ASTM G155.

TABLE 3 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 PC High Flow 24.15 24.03 24.03 23.96 24.03 24.03 24.03 PC 131 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 PCT 25.00 24.88 24.88 24.80 24.83 24.88 24.88 P.T. 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 P-EPQ 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 AO1010 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 P.A. 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 ADR4368 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 UV5411 — 0.25 — — — — — Tinuvin 234 — — 0.25 — — — — Uvinul 5050H — — — 0.1 — — — Tinuvin 1577 — — — 0.3 — — — UV3638 — — — — 0.3 — — Tinuvin 350 — — — — — 0.25 — Uvinul 3030 — — — — — — 0.25 R72 0.000195 0.000195 0.000195 0.000195 0.000195 0.000195 0.000195 R7260 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113

TABLE B Percent retention of Tensile Impact 250 Hours 500 Hrs 1000 Hrs C3 63 61 9 C4 55 51 13 C5 58 57 12 C6 53 52 12 C7 50 55 18 C8 41 44 42 C9 50 50 42

It can be seen from table B that comparative examples 3-9 did not meet the Underwriters Laboratories standards for F-1 certification, i.e., the retentions are not equal to or greater than 70 percent.

Examples 1-5, Comparative Examples 10-12

Table 4 lists the components of examples 1-5 in accordance with the invention and comparative examples 10-12. Table C lists their retention properties after exposure to 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 hours of ultraviolet radiation in accordance with ASTM G155.

TABLE 4 C10 E1 E2 C11 E3 C12 E4 E5 PCTG — — — — — 26.3 26.3 26.3 PCCD — — — 59.73 59.73 — — — PCT 24.78 24.78 24.78 — — — — — PC 131 50.00 — — — — — — — PC High Flow 24.03 — — 15.0 — 62.0 — — PC 100 — — — 24.3 — 11.0 — — 20:80 ITR-PC — 74.1 — — 39.3 — 73.0 — 90:10 ITR-PC — — 74.1 — — — — 73.0 P.T. 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.27 0.27 0.30 0.30 0.30 P-EPQ 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.1 0.1 0.1 P.A. 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 ADR4368 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 UV5411 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 — — — AO1010 0.12 0.12 0.12 — — — — — Pigment 1 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 0.000113 Pigment 2 0.000028 0.000028 0.000028 0.000028 0.000028 0.000028 0.000028 0.000028

TABLE C % Retention of Tensile Impact Sample 200 Hrs 400 Hrs 600 Hrs 800 Hrs 1000 Hrs C10 53 96 90 81 48 E1 78 53 78 87 93 E2 91 98 88 101 99 C11 86 78 90 84 21 E3 106 85 93 65 73 C12 12 49 29 10 11 E4 75 90 68 92 97 E5 99 94 94 103 98

It can be seen from table C that comparative examples 10-12 did not meet the Underwriters Laboratories standards for F-1 certification, i.e., the retention of tensile impact is not equal to or greater than 70 percent after 1000 hours of ultraviolet exposure, whereas inventive examples 1-5 do meet the standards.

Examples 6-10, Comparative Example 13

Table 5 lists the components of inventive examples 6-10 and comparative example 13. Table D lists their retention properties after exposure to 500 and 1000 hours of ultraviolet radiation in accordance with ASTM G155, and after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.

TABLE 5 C13 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 PC 131 49.42 22.76 9.42 — 22.77 9.44 PC High Flow 24.71 11.38 4.71 — 11.39 4.72 20:80 ITR-PC — 40 60 74.14 40 60 PCT 24.78 24.78 24.78 24.78 — — PCTG — — — — 24.78 24.78 P.T. 0.300 0.300 0.300 0.300 0.300 0.300 P-EPQ 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 P.A. 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.050 0.050 ADR4368 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.250 UV5411 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.250 AO1010 0.120 0.120 0.120 0.120 0.120 0.120 Colorant1 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 Colorant2 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012

TABLE D % Retention of Tensile Impact Sample 500 hrs 1000 Hrs Water Immersion  C13 51 49 84 E6 72 72 87 E7 79 70 89 E8 75 73 89 E9 81 75 55  E10 73 72 69

It can be seen from table D that comparative example 13 did not meet the Underwriters Laboratories standards for F-1 certification, e.g., the retention of tensile impact is not equal to or greater than 70 percent after 1000 hours of ultraviolet exposure, whereas inventive examples 6-10 do.

Examples 11-16, Comparative Example 14

Table 6 lists the components of inventive examples 11-16 and comparative example 14. Table E lists their different mechanical, rheological, and optical properties according to the tests described above.

TABLE 6 C14 E11 E12 E13 E14 E15 E16 PC 131 49.42 22.76 9.42 — 53.93 9.44 53.93 PC High Flow 24.71 11.38 4.71 — — 4.72 — 20:80 ITR-PC — 40 60 74.14 — 60 — PCT 24.78 24.78 24.78 24.78 20 — — PCTG — — — — — 24.78 20 Clear EXL — — — — 25 — 25 P.T. 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 P-EPQ 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 P.A. 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.05 0.05 ADR4368 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 UV5411 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 AO1010 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 Colorant1 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 0.00044 Colorant2 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012 0.00012

TABLE E C14 E11 E12 E13 E14 E15 E16 MVR, 300° C. (cm³/10 min) 11.9 12.8 14.1 15.2 8.7 — — MVR, 265° C. — — — — — 6.0 4.1 Specific gravity 1.2 1.22 1.21 1.22 1.19 1.21 1.19 Flexural modulus (MPa) 2270 2340 2300 2300 2250 2370 2340 Flexural Stress at 5% strain (MPa) 87.8 90.8 89.8 89.6 87.1 90.6 89.7 Flexural stress at yield 97.6 99.6 98.4 98.4 95 97.8 97.2 Heat deflection temperature (° C.) 109 103 105 104 110 104 111 Notched Izod ductility at 23° C. (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Notched Izod impact strength at 23° C. (J/m) 981 845 974 928 1050 988 1150 Notched Izod ductility at 0° C. (%) 40 20 0 20 100 0 100 Notched Izod impact strength at 0° C. (J/m) 480 317 138 325 1040 175 1030 Multi axial impact ductility at 23° C. (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Notched Izod impact total energy at 23° C. (J) 75.8 71.7 68.7 69.1 83.3 89.1 91.5 Multi axial impact ductility at 0° C. (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Notched Izod impact total energy at 0° C. (J) 78 73.1 66.3 59.3 71.3 76.4 80.5 Tensile modulus (MPa) 2240 2200 2000 2100 2070 2310 2300 Tensile stress at yield (MPa) 60.8 62.3 61.5 61.6 59.9 61.8 60.8 Tensile stress at break (MPa) 62 58.1 66.3 69.4 62.4 66.4 60.9 Tensile elongation at yield (%) 6.2 6.1 6.6 6.3 6.3 6 5.9 Tensile elongation at break (%) 110 97 130 140 110 130 110 Yellowness Index 1.3 0.3 0.8 0.8 5.9 −0.1 5.6 Total luminous transmittance (%) 77.8 82.4 83.3 83.1 81.8 81.1 79.8 Haze (%) 1.6 2.2 1.5 1.8 2.6 1.8 2.7

The data in table E shows that comparative example 14 displayed the poorest qualities, especially in melt volume rate, flexural modulus, flexural stress, and tensile stress. It is important to note that comparative example 14 did not have a total luminous transmittance greater than or equal to 80 percent. On the other hand, inventive examples 11-16 all display a total luminous transmittance greater than or equal to 80 percent, and a haze value less than 5 percent, while maintaining excellent mechanical properties.

Example 9 and comparative examples 15-17 were further subjected to immersion in caustic solutions for 2 days in a constant strain jig with a 0.5 percent strain. Table 7 lists their retention of mechanical properties by comparing their elongation at break, measured in accordance with ASTM D638. Comparative Example 15 (C15) is PC HIGH FLOW. Comparative Example 16 (C16) is LEXAN 105. Comparative Example 17 (C17) is PC 131,

TABLE 7 Baquacil Baquacil BaquaSpa Bromine Baquacil Sanitizer & Baquacil Waterline Shock ® water Algicide ® Algistat ® Oxidizer ® Control ® C15 74 74 77 68 75 72 C16 70 72 67 67 75 68 C17 73 73 69 66 73 71 E9 89 92 88 84 93 86

It can be seen from table 7 that inventive example 9 displayed the highest elongation value, with its lowest being 84 percent elongation after immersion in Baquacil Sanitizer & Algistat®. The best retention out of the comparative examples was 77 percent elongation after immersion in Baquacil Algicide®.

While typical embodiments have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, the foregoing descriptions should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives can occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope herein. 

1. A composition comprising, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, a combination of: 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, a chemical equivalent of the foregoing, or a combination thereof, and D is a residue derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a combination of cyclohexanedimethanol and a C₂₋₄ diol; 5 to 50 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is independently the same or different divalent organic radical, and at least 60% percent of the organic radicals are aromatic; and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprising, based on the total weight of the copolymer, 15 to 95 weight percent of arylate ester units of the formula

wherein each R⁴ is independently halogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₆₋₁₂ aryl, and p is 0 to 3, and 5 to 85 weight percent of aromatic carbonate units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is as independently the same or different divalent organic radical, and at least 60% percent of the organic radicals are aromatic, and further wherein the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a monophenolic compound the formula

wherein each R⁵ is independently halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylcarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ 2-benzotriazole, or triazine, and q is 0 to
 5. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein a molded article comprising the composition retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours in accordance with ASTM G155.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein a molded article comprising the composition retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein a molded article comprising the composition retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours in accordance with ASTM G155, and wherein the molded article retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein a 3.2 mm thick molded article comprising the composition retains at least 70 percent of its tensile strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after exposure to a caustic solution for 2 days at 0.5 percent strain.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyester, polycarbonate, and polyester-polycarbonate are present in sufficient amounts that a molded article comprising the composition and having a thickness of 2.5 millimeters has a haze of less than or equal to 5 percent, measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein a molded article comprising the composition and having a thickness of 2.5 millimeters has a total luminous transmittance of greater than or equal to 80 percent, measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein a molded article comprising the composition and having a thickness of 3.2 mm has a Yellowness Index of less than 2 measured in accordance with ASTM D1925.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein T is derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof and D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a chemical equivalent thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein T is derived from terephthalic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof and D is derived from a mixture of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and ethylene glycol or chemical equivalents thereof.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the mixture of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and ethylene glycol or chemical equivalents thereof comprises up to 25 mole percent ethylene glycol.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein R¹ in the polycarbonate is derived from a compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group, and p and q are each independently 0 to
 4. 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein, X^(a) is a C₁₋₂₅ alkylidene of the formula —C(R^(c))(R^(d))— wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are each independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₁₋₁₂ heteroalkyl, or cyclic C₇₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or a group of the formula —C(═R^(e))— wherein R^(e) is a divalent C₁₋₁₂ hydrocarbon group.
 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein X^(a) is isopropylidene and p and q are each zero.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate further comprises units of the formulas

wherein each R² is independently a C₁₋₁₃ monovalent organic group, each Ar is independently a C₆₋₃₆ arylene group wherein the bonds are directly connected to an aromatic moiety, each R₃ is independently a divalent C₁₋₃₀ organic group, and E is an integer having an average value of 2 to 1,000.
 16. The composition of claim 15, comprising 10 to 40 weight percent of the polycarbonate.
 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the polycarbonate comprises 1 to 20 mole percent of units of the formula

wherein each R² is independently the same or different C₁₋₃ monovalent organic group, each R³ is the same or different divalent C₁₋₁₀ organic group, and E is an integer from 2 to
 500. 18. The composition of claim 17, comprising 10 to 40 weight percent of the polycarbonate.
 19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the arylate ester units are derived from the reaction of a mixture of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof with 5-methyl resorcinol, 5-ethyl resorcinol, 5 -propyl resorcinol, 5 -butyl resorcinol, 5-t-butyl resorcinol, 5-phenyl resorcinol, 5cumyl resorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrafluororesorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrabromoresorcinol, catechol, hydroquinone, 2-methyl hydroquinone, 2-ethyl hydroquinone, 2-propyl hydroquinone, 2-butyl hydroquinone, 2-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2-phenyl hydroquinone, 2cumyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetra-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorohydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo hydroquinone, a chemical equivalent of the foregoing compounds, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing compounds.
 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein R¹ in the polyester-polycarbonate is derived from a compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group, and p and q are each independently 0 to
 4. 21. The composition of claim 20, wherein X^(a) is a C₁₋₂₅ alkylidene of the formula —C(R^(c))(R^(d))— wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are each independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₁₋₁₂ heteroalkyl, or cyclic C₇₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or a group of the formula —C(═R^(e))— wherein R^(e) is a divalent C₁₋₁₂ hydrocarbon group.
 22. The composition of claim 21, wherein X^(a) is isopropylidene and p and q are each zero.
 23. The composition of claim 1, wherein the phenolic compound is phenol, p-cumyl-phenol, p-tertiary-butyl phenol, hydroxy diphenyl, hydroquinone, p-methoxyphenol, 2-hydroxybenzophenone phenyl salicylate, resorcinol monobenzoate, 2-(2-hydroxyaryl)-benzotriazole, a 2-(2-hydroxyaryl)-1,3,5-triazine, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing phenolic compounds.
 24. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an acid interchange quencher, a compound having an epoxy functionality, an antioxidant, a heat stabilizer, a light stabilizer, an ultraviolet light absorber, a plasticizer, a mold release agent, a lubricant, an antistatic agent, a pigment, a dye, a flame retardant, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing compounds.
 25. A method of manufacture of the composition of claim 1, comprising melt blending the components of the composition of claim
 1. 26. A method of forming an article, comprising shaping, extruding, blow molding, or injection molding the composition of claim 1 to form the article.
 27. An article comprising the composition of claim
 1. 28. The article of claim 27, wherein the article is an extruded or injection molded article.
 29. The article of claim 28, in the form of a component of a pool and/or spa.
 30. The article of claim 29, in the form of a lens for a pool and/or spa.
 31. A composition comprising, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, a combination of 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, a chemical equivalent of the foregoing, or a combination thereof, and D is a residue derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a combination of cyclohexanedimethanol and a C₂₋₄ diol; 10 to 40 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is derived from a compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group, and p and q are each independently 0 to 4, and units of the formulas

wherein each R² is independently a C₁₋₁₃ monovalent organic group, each Ar is independently a C₆₋₃₆ arylene group wherein the bonds are directly connected to an aromatic moiety, each R³ is independently a divalent C₁₋₃₀ organic group, and E is an integer having an average value of 2 to 500; and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprising, based on the total weight of the copolymer, 15 to 95 weight percent of arylate ester units of the formula

wherein each R4 is halogen or a C14 alkyl and p is 0 to 3, and 5 to 85 weight percent of aromatic carbonate units of the formula

wherein each R¹ is derived from a compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic group, and p and q are each independently 0 to 4, and further wherein the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a monophenolic compound the formula

wherein each R⁵ is independently a halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ benzotriazole, or C₃₋₁₅ triazine, and q is 0 to 5, and further wherein a molded article retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours in accordance with ASTM G155, and wherein the molded article retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C.
 32. A composition comprising, based on the total weight of polymer components in the composition, a combination of 10 to 80 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula

wherein T is a residue derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, a chemical equivalent of the foregoing, or a combination thereof, and D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a combination of cyclohexanedimethanol and a C₂₋₄ diol; 5 to 50 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising 80 to 99 mole percent of units derived from bisphenol A and 1 to 20 mole percent of units of the formula

wherein each R² is independently the same or different C₁₋₃ monovalent organic group, each R³ is the same or different divalent C₁₋₁₀ organic group, and E is an integer from 2 to 500; and 10 to 90 weight percent of a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer of the formula

wherein, based on the weight of the copolymer, the arylate ester units are present in an amount of 15 to 95 weight percent and the polycarbonate units are present in an amount of 5 to 85 weight percent, and further wherein the polyester-polycarbonate copolymer comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a monophenolic compound the formula

wherein each R⁵ is independently a halogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₇₋₂₂ alkylaryl, C₇₋₂₂ arylalkyl, C₆₋₃₀ benzotriazole, or C₃₋₁₅ triazine, and q is 0 to 5, and further wherein a molded article retains at least 70 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours in accordance with ASTM G155, and wherein the molded article retains at least 50 percent of its tensile impact strength, measured in accordance with ASTM D638, after immersion in water for 7 days at 70° C. 